EDIT: I just got a call from Savini. They issued me a refund for the entire amount. So, this issue has been resolved.

*********************

I want to share my story of what has happened with the very expensive Savini wheels I ordered back in May of 2010. I’ll start out by saying that I do NOT recommend buying Savini wheels.

Sorry this post is so long, but I thought it was important to share this because wheels are a very expensive investment and I want anyone who is considering new wheels to know this.

Here is the story.

I ordered Savini wheels back in May of this year for my 2SS. Six weeks after ordering them, they were delivered and I took them to IPS Motorsports to mount and balance. IPS took them to a local specialty shop that has a “touchless” wheel mounting system. This shop works on the wheels of a lot of high end cars, so IPS highly recommended this tire shop.

I got a call from IPS later that day saying the tire shop said the paint work on the wheels is not right. The wheels were not properly prepped and that paint chips where falling off the lips of the rims and around the lug holes even though they were being very careful with them. The wheel shop said they’d never encountered wheels with such badly prepped paint work because the paint just did not adhere to the wheels. (By the way, the guys at IPS put the wheels on the car and tightened the lugs by hand using a lug wrench with a thin-walled socket being very careful not to damage the paint around the lugs.)

The tire shop touched up the rims with some paint and IPS called Savini to talk about the chipping around the lips of the wheels and the lugs. IPS told me Savini agreed to refinish the rims under their warranty.

So, in July the chipping on the wheels was so bad that chunks of paint were breaking off when I washed the car. So, I called Savnin and I talked to Tu (the Sales Manager at Savini). I said, “My wheels are chipping pretty badly around the rims and lug holes can you fix them under warranty?”

Tu from Savini said, “Sure, but go ahead and drive on them for the summer and enjoy them. Then, in the fall send them to us when you put your car away for winter. We'll fix them under warranty.” (Their one year warranty states that I pay the shipping to send the wheels to Savini and they’ll refinish them and they pay the return shipping.) So I told Tu I would do that.

In late August, I called Savini and talked to Nick and I said, “I'm ready to send my wheels back while the car is in the shop for some other work. But, I would like the wheels to be powdercoated instead of painted for durability. The lips of the rims as well as the lug areas are all chipped up and need to be refinished.”

Nick from Savini: “We will repair them under warranty, but powdercoating costs an extra $50 per wheel ($200 for all 4). We can also take the tires off and put them back on for you to avoid any more problems with that at your end.”

Me: “That sounds good, so, how much will it all cost?”

Nick at Savini: “$200 for powdercoating, $135 to mount and balance, $150 shipping because shipping the whole wheel with tires costs more. Total $485.”

I confirmed all of this via email and I agreed to pay the $485. It seemed fair and reasonable.

Wheels shipped to Savini on September 13. Shipping cost I paid: $365 to have IPS box them up and ship the whole wheels (with tires on them) to Savini in California. On September 29, I called Nick and give him my credit card info to pay the $485.

Ocotober 27, Nick from Savini: “Your wheels are about done and we didn't even have to take the tires off.”

Me: “How did you refinish them without taking the tires off?”

Nick: “We only refinished the centers (spokes).”

Me: “You needed to repair the lips of the barrels too. I was very clear about that.”

Nick: “That will take 2 more weeks.” He looked at the wheels and agreed the lips were chipped and should be refinished.

December 3, I got an email from Nick's saying “Your wheels are done and I need to send you your bill, Fax or Paypal?”

Me: “I gave you my credit card info in September. Didn't run the card?”
(I checked and there was no charge on my credit card for it.)

So, I told Nick to send me a Paypal invoice for the $485.

Nick’s email back to me: “You owe us $1285. The lip area isn't covered under warranty because the damage was caused by the tire shop, so we won’t cover that.”

So, I call Nick and we had a discussion.

He said the lips of my wheels were damaged by the tire shop. I say they used a "touchless system" and that the tire shop said the paint prep was not done properly. I reminded Nick that Savini had promised to repair them under warranty before I ever shipped the wheels back to Savini.

Nick said: “I told you on October 27 we only did the centers.” He said that only the centers were previously painted and they only refinished the painted areas. The barrel was apparently powdercoated originally (which I didn’t realize at the time). But, I had made it very clear that the lips of the wheels needed to be refinished before I ever sent them to Savini.

I replied, “You can't change the terms of our agreed price AFTER I sent the wheels back to you.” I told Nick I would not pay the extra $800 they wanted to charge.

Nick said he would talk to the owner and call me back.

Two hours later Nick called me: “The boss says we can come down to $885.”

I said, “No, that is still $400 above what we agreed to.”

Nick: “I’ll pay the return shipping and take $685.”

At first I said no, but then I reluctantly agreed just to get this over with. It was still $200 over what we had agreed to originally before I shipped the wheels to Savini.

In the meantime, I called Tony (Nine Ball), who sold me the wheels, and I told him what had happened. Tony sent Tu at Savini an email requesting that Savini stick to the original $485 that we had agreed to.

I have waited 2 weeks and I have not heard anything from Savini, so I guess they aren’t going to do anything about it at this point. I think they really should give me the $200 back.

I have all the email correspondences to back up my story and I can document everything.

So, I feel like Savini tried to screw me out of $800, then $400, and then I still ended up paying $200 more than we had agreed to. Savini lied to me and didn’t stand behind their product.

By the way, I am totally grateful to Nine Ball (Tony) who has tried to help me with this. I have nothing but good things to say about him and his customer service.

I know painted wheels can chip. But, what I do find problematic is that Savini didn’t do what they promised to resolve the issue. I paid $6000 for these wheels. I now have well over $7000 (not including the tires) invested in them with all the extra shipping, mounting and balancing, plus refinishing. For that kind of money, they should stand behind their product with better customer service.

The wheels are now back here in Ohio. I haven’t opened the boxes yet. I don’t think I ever want to put them on my car again. I wish I’d never bought them.

There seems to be a re-occurring theme here with this vendor. In every story told the customer ends up taking it in the shorts if there is any issues that arises. First PQ had his saga play out with the back and forth of his out of round wheels and then the blame game started. Of course the wheels were fixed be he had to pay out of his pocket and many months of his car sitting on jack stands.

Now Emma and this ordeal of the paint flaking/powder coat chipping and the extra cost charged back to the customer.

I too on the advise of PQ and Emma and a few PM's from Savini decided to get a set of Savini wheels, with a promise that this type of BS had been resolved. I clearly think it has not been resloved.

My problems were minor compared to Randy's and Emma's, mine just vibrated, I was sent the wrong lugnuts, and after they re-balanced them they forgot to send the center caps back, OK honest mistake, but still when you pay this kind of money for wheel you expect a little more. BFXAuto made it right, no out of pocket expense for me and I clearly made that point up front before I ordered my wheels with both BFXauto and Savini, they got one shot with me.

Here is my problem with this whole ordeal, especially with this situation. Savini took advantage of the situation they had they wheel and really held Emma's wheels hostage. What was she to do lose 7000.00 for 200.00 no.

Shame on you Savini, Shame on you, I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND YOUR WHEELS TO ANYONE, NEVER and as soon as I can find someone to make me a new set of center caps, the Savini logo will come off my care, I am ashamed of having that name associated with my car.

Emma I am truly sorry and wished there was something I could do.

Savini you think it was bad when you screwed around with PQ, it just got a whole lot worse.

__________________

MUSTANG...Like Bringing a Hot Dog to a Steak Dinner....There is no comparison.

go with forgiato next time or asanti i just visited both companies in cali over the weekend and i can tell you there warehouses are top notch. the issues you are having with the paint was due to bad preporation. this should never happen if done the right way. I am in the wheel and tire business and have painted asanti's myself.

The problems is exactly as you state Scott, the Vendors get screwed too, Savini makes there money they have a set amount they are going to make and leave it up to the vendor to get what they can, so there is not alot of play for the vendor.

I was lucky in a sense that after Randy's issue of the blame game of mounting I made the vendor mount and balance everything so all I had to do was install teh wheels. That way they could say the dumb redneck in Alabama didn't know what they were doing and tore up the wheels.

Funny thing is these are FORGED wheels supposed to be stronger than cast or poured, why is it easier to damage these wheels??????????

Makes you think, and for the money you pay for these wheels the need to be PERFECT, no FLAWS at ALL.

__________________

MUSTANG...Like Bringing a Hot Dog to a Steak Dinner....There is no comparison.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Nick at Savini also told me one of the drums of my wheels was damaged when they got them - like it was out of round or something. I have no idea how or where that could have happened. IPS packed them up really well for me when they shipped them. I guess Savini wheels are easily damaged.

Wow. Wish I would have known all this before I ordered. I am still tempted to go down to SoCal small claims court - they love cases like this. Check out Savini's last response on my thread a little ways down...I hope they deliver on the aluminum caps, but I really doubt it. Amazing that they are trying to deny what Nick told me now.

Wow. Wish I would have known all this before I ordered. I am still tempted to go down to SoCal small claims court - they love cases like this. Check out Savini's last response on my thread a little ways down...I hope they deliver on the aluminum caps, but I really doubt it. Amazing that they are trying to deny what Nick told me now.

I have the emails. Mine and theirs. I would swear to what I said under oath in court. I didn't lie. I didn't embellish. I stated the facts. I just want other to know so they can avoid the same problems. I hope others would share their experiences with vendors to let me know about the good and the bad.

By the way, I have also posted threads about very good vendors to let others know that too.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Nick at Savini also told me one of the drums of my wheels was damaged when they got them - like it was out of round or something. I have no idea how or where that could have happened. IPS packed them up really well for me when they shipped them. I guess Savini wheels are easily damaged.

OMG, Tu accused me of bending mine every time I had them.

A few comments I have for your OP Terri.

1. Tony. (Nine Ball) Stand up guy. The company that is Savini is so piss poor and minipulateive that I began to put some blame on Tony. Tony did everything he could from his end. Savini not only cares very little about end customers, they blocked out the vendor as well. I would absolutely use Tony again if I were gonna buy.

2. Funny how they slip lines in their correspondance like:

Quote:

Nick from Savini: “We will repair them under warranty, but powdercoating costs an extra $50 per wheel ($200 for all 4). We can also take the tires off and put them back on for you to avoid any more problems with that at your end.”

This is said as if he KNOWS it. He hadn't even seen the wheels yet. This is done deliberately. They remade two of my wheels due to the pressure the forum put on them. PERIOD. Not to 'Stand behind their product', and all the while saying things like "I don't know what he's doing but they are fine when we ship them". Talking about you, Tu.

3. The part where Nick says HE'LL pay for some of it. He told me that too. I refused to let him. If you'll remember, I STILL have no sensors in my wheels. NONE. And it's ALREADY cost me one rear tire. When I got my wheels back there was a baggie with 4 sensors in them. I sent them back to Tony to get a refund and he showed me how the ones Savini sent me back are NOT the ones that were on the wheels all along. The ones Tony sold me were different.

Tony said he would refund me anyway for my troubles, I said no way. He hadn't done anything wrong. So Nick finally tells me he would send me the money out of his own pocket. Of course I said no. I STILL have no sensors.

Hate to hear this Terri. Like I told you before, I feel a little responsible. You and John both.

Oh, and I got paint chips all around my centers and lugs too. Big solid ones. Goes all the way under the center cap.

Savini FAIL
What pisses me off is we get it jammed down our throat that we must spend this outrageous money to get quality wheels. I call BS!! I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. Hopefully more people will find out about them before they rip more people off.

I have the emails. Mine and theirs. I would swear to what I said under oath in court. I didn't lie. I didn't embellish. I stated the facts. I just want other to know so they can avoid the same problems. I hope others would share their experiences with vendors to let me know about the good and the bad.

By the way, I have also posted threads about very good vendors to let others know that too.

Darth, your one or the most respected here on Camaro5.com and no one would challenge your integerity!

After having painted/powerdercoated wheels on "REDRUM" , I can tell you they are very easily prone to being chipped and depending on cleaning solvents, etc can compound the problem.

I would never buy a PAINTED/POWDER COATED set of wheels period...

Now doesn't execuse SAVINI's response to you , and hopefully they will make it right.

Randy,
Please don't feel bad for me. Luckily I made them put it all in writing before I bought the wheels and unfortunately Nick ( BFXAuto) had to eat the extra shipping etc.. out of his pocket as I am sure Savini did nothing to help.

Powder coat is supposed to be one of the most durable finishes out their that is one reason they powder coat chasis on street rods or at least why they did mine and I have had no issues at all. I guess it all in how you do it.

The main issue is this company take advantage of their vendors and customers, plain and simple.

If you are brave buy these wheels at your own risk.

If I had the money I would get rid of these wheels and change to another brand plain and simple.

__________________

MUSTANG...Like Bringing a Hot Dog to a Steak Dinner....There is no comparison.

Savini FAIL
What pisses me off is we get it jammed down our throat that we must spend this outrageous money to get quality wheels. I call BS!! I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. Hopefully more people will find out about them before they rip more people off.

Again. My parents, brother, freinds, Bonnies family etc, all gave me the "YOU PAID WHAT?...... YOUR A MORON" And of course my response was, "Hey...... you get what you pay for".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Jkel

Randy,
Please don't feel bad for me. Luckily I made them put it all in writing before I bought the wheels and unfortunately Nick ( BFXAuto) had to eat the extra shipping etc.. out of his pocket as I am sure Savini did nothing to help.

Powder coat is supposed to be one of the most durable finishes out their that is one reason they powder coat chasis on street rods or at least why they did mine and I have had no issues at all. I guess it all in how you do it.

The main issue is this company is slimey and they take advantage of their vendors and customers, plain and simple.

If you are brave buy these wheels at your own risk.

If I had the money I would get rid of these wheels and change to another brand plain and simple.

I accepted the fact that I had my sensors stolen while at Savini, and my paint flaking must not have been as bad as Emmas. I overlook it. NEVER said a word. And Savini still approached my situation like I was trying to somehow get over on them. (Nick was really cool) I suspect he was with Emma too. He just works for a bad company. I don't blame Nick at all. He must go home and beat his head against the wall a lot.

But someone has got to step up to the plate, you can't keep falling back on " I just work here" and to keep blaming the Rednecks in Alabama, well I guess they moved to Ohio now and have a vendetta out for Savini wheels. Attention BOLO for Savini wheels, tear'em up when you get a chance.

How are forged wheels so easily damaged. I don't get that once.

NO the real real truth is SAVINI is hurting in the market place, they sell high end wheels and with the economy in the condition it is not alot of people are buying 1100.00 wheels.

My guess is they won't be around long at this rate.

They need to go up the street and take lessons from Adam's polishes about customer service.

__________________

MUSTANG...Like Bringing a Hot Dog to a Steak Dinner....There is no comparison.

I know it is probably of no help because wheel choice is based so much on personal taste, but I have run Forgeline wheels (of which Tony is a dealer) and have had absolutely NO problems with them - very round, very powdercoated and very well made. When you have a company that makes wheels for RACE CARS they are held to pretty high standards. Sorry guys (and girls)...

Terri - It is unfortunate that after all the conversations we had regarding this, you still want to bash us on the forum. It was all fine and dandy when your wheels were getting done for a very discounted cost, and now this? We both agreed that there was mis-communication between us and then we came to an agreed upon conclusion. I emphasized that this mis-communication would not have happened if it were a shop we were dealing with as a shop would probably have used different terminology considering you are a self proclaimed "noob". We have distributors set up for a reason and we were trying to help you out because you did not want to work with Tony.

We have also spent time and money trying to support the Camaro community and can not get away from the PQ situation. Shipping damage, extended ETAs, miscommunication are just some of the concerns when dealing with mail order companies. We have distributors located throughout the nation to assist you with personal service, timely responses, quality information, and state of the art equipment... AND we would be more than happy to refer you to anyone of them.

now to address paint/warranty concern:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth_Emma

I know painted wheels can chip. But, what I do find problematic is that Savini didn’t do what they promised to resolve the issue....For that kind of money, they should stand behind their product with better customer service.
.

- We were going to refinish the centers (original (warrantable) problem area) for FREE.
- You wanted to switch to powdercoat
- You admitted that the shop damaged one of the wheels
- More than one wheel was damaged when they arrived

__________________________________________________ ______________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Jkel

There seems to be a re-occurring theme here with this vendor. In every story told the customer ends up taking it in the shorts if there is any issues that arises.

Jekl - From what I understand, you loved your wheels! They look great, you got tons of compliments, they fit perfectly. Its unfortunate that you would jump on this thread just to bash a company.

- The vibration was just a balancing issue (not the wheels).
- The wrong lugs - again, Not Savini
- Missing caps - again, Not Savini

__________________________________________________ ______________

Tomato
- We have already made you your replacement set and they were shipped out to you. Wheel Studio shipped them to the wrong address. It's unfortunate, but again... NOT SAVINI

We have another set of caps on the production schedule, but our orders are are already in place and they will be cut when your schedule comes up. I apologize for the delay and we are getting through this as quickly as possible

Last and not least... EVERY issue that comes up, we are here on the boards trying to make it right.

__________________________________________________ _____________

Randy - I (Nick) have stood behind everything I have said in person, on the forum, over the phone, etc. It is not easy to get things done as quickly as some would want when you work for a company this size. There are guide lines that I have to follow before we can take the most drastic action of remaking wheels.

__________________________________________________ _____________

Guys, just an FYI: Savini has been around since 2003 and have sold over 160 sets of Camaro wheels this year. Im not trying to say we dont have issues, because every company does. But we do try and make it right...

But someone has got to step up to the plate, you can't keep falling back on " I just work here" and to keep blaming the Rednecks in Alabama, well I guess they moved to Ohio now and have a vendetta out for Savini wheels. Attention BOLO for Savini wheels, tear'em up when you get a chance.

How are forged wheels so easily damaged. I don't get that once.

NO the real real truth is SAVINI is hurting in the market place, they sell high end wheels and with the economy in the condition it is not alot of people are buying 1100.00 wheels.

My guess is they won't be around long at this rate.

I can't argue one bit. I make no excuses for Savini in the least. Just hate Nick has to deal with them. Don't get me wrong. Though I don't have a problem with Nick, I am done with anything that is Savini.

Oh, and I wasn't just being funny with that savinisucks.com thing. I already have hosting. For 12.00 it will be worth it.

Savini wheels are nice to look at and all, but they just aren't made for practical use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedster

Well that sucks DE, PQ and Dr. Jekl...

I know it is probably of no help because wheel choice is based so much on personal taste, but I have run Forgeline wheels (of which Tony is a dealer) and have had absolutely NO problems with them - very round, very powdercoated and very well made. When you have a company that makes wheels for RACE CARS they are held to pretty high standards.

I got made fun of for having china built Foose rims on mine. Well over a year later and not a mark on them ,and I got wheels and tires for the price of your wheels alone. These guys won't be around long doing business like this. I hope you get it worked out. I do think PQ would have been screwed if it wasn't for this forum.

why are you dealing with Savini? shouldnt you have called Nineball first and handled it through him? he's a great seller and im sure he would help you as much as he can, just dont see how you should have to work to get what you paid for..

Terri - It is unfortunate that after all the conversations we had regarding this, you still want to bash us on the forum. It was all fine and dandy when your wheels were getting done for a very discounted cost, and now this? We both agreed that there was mis-communication between us and then we came to an agreed upon conclusion. I emphasized that this mis-communication would not have happened if it were a shop we were dealing with as a shop would probably have used different terminology considering you are a self proclaimed "noob". We have distributors set up for a reason and we were trying to help you out because you did not want to work with Tony.

We have also spent time and money trying to support the Camaro community and can not get away from the PQ situation. Shipping damage, extended ETAs, miscommunication are just some of the concerns when dealing with mail order companies. We have distributors located throughout the nation to assist you with personal service, timely responses, quality information, and state of the art equipment... AND we would be more than happy to refer you to anyone of them.

now to address paint/warranty concern:

- We were going to refinish the centers (original (warrantable) problem area) for FREE.
- You wanted to switch to powdercoat
- You admitted that the shop damaged one of the wheels
- More than one wheel was damaged when they arrived

__________________________________________________ ______________

Jekl - From what I understand, you loved your wheels! They look great, you got tons of compliments, they fit perfectly. Its unfortunate that you would jump on this thread just to bash a company.

- The vibration was just a balancing issue (not the wheels).
- The wrong lugs - again, Not Savini
- Missing caps - again, Not Savini

__________________________________________________ ______________

Tomato
- We have already made you your replacement set and they were shipped out to you. Wheel Studio shipped them to the wrong address. It's unfortunate, but again... NOT SAVINI

We have another set of caps on the production schedule, but our orders are are already in place and they will be cut when your schedule comes up. I apologize for the delay and we are getting through this as quickly as possible

Last and not least... EVERY issue that comes up, we are here on the boards trying to make it right.

__________________________________________________ _____________

Randy - I (Nick) have stood behind everything I have said in person, on the forum, over the phone, etc. It is not easy to get things done as quickly as some would want when you work for a company this size. There are guide lines that I have to follow before we can take the most drastic action of remaking wheels.

__________________________________________________ _____________

Guys, just an FYI: Savini has been around since 2003 and have sold over 160 sets of Camaro wheels this year. Im not trying to say we dont have issues, because every company does. But we do try and make it right...

NICK, My Friend, Savini Rep and whatever else you want to be called on this forum.

First let me start by saying I understand that you WORK for Savini and you are not SAVINI.

Yes my wheels needed re-balancing and after I was sent the wrong lug nuts, the wheels were picked up at BFXauto's expense, rebalanced ( Which I offered to have done here just to make sure before they were sent back as to SAVE him some money and yes you can ask him, but he declined)
Then when I got the wheels back they were absolutely filthy, I e-mailed you, remember ( but I got no response from you) and I also stated that the center caps were missing.
True they have been sent and my wheel do ride smooth after having to be sent back.

Now I am just an old redneck from Alabama and don't know nothing except that rednecks like chrome wheels. Every car, truck and anything I ever have owned that has had wheels on it since 1992 has had chrome wheels. I have bought a new vehicle every year since 1992 and put wheels on it. This by far is the most expensive set of wheels I have EVER purchased and this set of wheels is by far the ONLY set I have ever had ANY issues with.

These are supposed to be the top of the line wheels from a top of the line company and good money is spent on them, but what doesn't make any sense is that NOOB or not your product should stand up. PERIOD. They should not have to be sent back and forth for ANY REASON AT ALL.

SAVINI is good at blaming every one else. They blame the VENDOR ,they blame the customer, you even blame the shops we take our vehicle to. I guess no one can balance a set of wheels unless you live in California., PLEEEASE. WE all are not that stupid.

YOU, NICK came to ME wanting me to BUY YOUR WHEELS. I TOLD YOU about my reservations especially after the issues with PQ wheels. You assured me that it was an isolated incident and that steps were taken to fix those issues. I guess not.

LUCKILY for me I decided to let you people mount and install the tires and everything just so that blame could not be put on anyone else except your vendor and YOU, no blaming ricky the redneck here.

Since you are the face of SAVINI on Camaro 5 Please explain to all the NOOBS here why your wheels damage so easy and they are forged. I thought forged things were stronger. Guess not.

I like baseball. RANDY STRIKE ONE, EMMA STRIKE 2 Guess WHAT STRIKE THREE IS UPON YOU to me SAVINI is letting their sales, reputation and whatever else they call it get destroyed over 200.00, especially after this woman paid , what 7000.00 for these wheel after all is said and done.

Are you kidding me?

You blamed PQ, You blamed Em, and IPS, Who else is left to blame. You know the funny thing. I searched and I have not seem one thread about Vossen wheels like this I wonder why?

Nick do the right thing give her the MONEY back, or we can continue to post emails, not just words but actual e-mails of what was actually said, start posting invoices and we will see where that gets us. I am sure alot of people would be interested in that,

But please don't insult our intelligence, that stuff you see on TV about ALABAMA it ain't all true, trust me on that.

__________________

MUSTANG...Like Bringing a Hot Dog to a Steak Dinner....There is no comparison.